China records 540,000 sudden cardiac deaths every year
Shanghai. November 16. INTERFAX-CHINA - China sees about 540,000 sudden cardiac deaths each year, the Ministry of Health (MoH) announced on Nov. 13.
The MoH estimated the figure based on the findings of a recent survey conducted by Beijing Fuwai Hospital in four regions across China which concluded that the occurrence rate of sudden cardiac deaths stands at 41.8 per 100,000.
According to the announcement, the majority of persons who underwent sudden cardiac deaths suffered from coronary diseases.
Last year, Hainan Medical Journal published the research outcome on 60 sudden cardiac death cases that took place in Jiange County Hospital in Sichuan Province from 1995 to 2004. The research showed that 49 persons who died, or 81.7 percent of the total, had a prior history of coronary disease.
The MoH advised the general public to ensure timely treatment of coronary diseases and be more aware of risk factors such as hypertension and smoking. Timely treatment can involve the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker which can reduce risks of sudden cardiac death.
Findings from Hainan Medical Journal showed that of the 60 deaths, 15 persons had suffered from hypertension, 18 had high cholesterol and 24 were smokers.
- KZ